In the world today, we encounter a lot of negativity, pain, stress and wake up with far too much to do, far too much to think about, far too many concerns, and far too many problems.

So instead of complaining, I recommend getting in the habit of giving gratitude on a daily basis and appreciating your loved ones and the simple things of life.

Start each day with inspiration and gratitude to help make it through the day with positive thoughts. As more of your thoughts and words become positive, you’ll start attracting more positive people and circumstances. The goal is to eventually start showing your gratitude, appreciation and love for the people and things around you on a daily basis.

The more you do it, the easier it will become.

But the problem is that most people run from hardship. It’s why the news can be so addicting. We all want to know what not to do to prevent the latest newsworthy predicament from happening to us. In fact, it’s normal to want to avoid pain and suffering. It’s inviting them in that often indicates a problem.

Human beings are made to be resilient. It’s during difficult moments when we are given the opportunity to not just rise to the occasion, but learn something profound about ourselves. We may discover, for example, that we are a lot stronger and courageous than we originally thought. We may even find our true purpose and meaning in life.

I wonder why it takes something like Hurricane Sandy to snap you into consciousness of the many things in your life to be grateful for?

And not only things like a roof over our head, electricity, running water, Internet and telephone service, but more so that we have family, friendships, good health, and are safe and alive.

We live in a world that relies so much on technology, that whenever it’s taken away it makes us feel extremely vulnerable because it seems as though we’ve lost everything. Yet, it’s ironic how in feeling vulnerable it brings us closer together in human contact because we see how much we need one another for support.

I ask through this post, that you each share energy, prayer, positive thoughts, and love with those who have been seriously affected by this hurricane because it’s going to take weeks and possibly months for these people to repair.

And please take a moment to reflect on all the things in your life to be grateful for.

We all need to reflect on what is really important in our lives – not the material things we all take for granted but our family, friends and neighbors being safe. Possessions can be replaced, people can’t.

There are times when God and the universe grabs a hold of us by the short hairs to remind us that in all of the wonder of the world we DO need to be grateful for the things we have.

Yet many of us take our eyes for granted. We do not realize how important eyesight is to our daily lives.

We have eyes so that we can read and learn, work and play, and see the beautiful earth.

Now imagine what life would be like if you couldn’t see at all.

What would that feel like?

I just recently returned from New York City and was able to find out when I visited a place called Dialog in the Dark.

Dialog in the Dark will give you what that experience is really like. Relying on blind and visually impaired guides, visitors use an authentic walking cane as they are led through a series of New York City environments, highlighted by city-centric scents, sounds, temperatures, and textures, in complete darkness.

My experience with Dialog in the Dark was really special. Being cordially invited by Orly Waaba, I was feeling a little nervous, holding a cane, as the lights went out. Making my way though the darkness, I felt very uncomfortable and helpless as I started to have thoughts of not wanting to continue.

But what propelled me to move forward was when I was being guided by Valerie, our visually impaired guide. She made me feel more comfortable, as she held my hand and guided me through. My sense of touch was truly awakened.

During the tour, Valerie shared with us what’s it like to be going to a supermarket, getting on the subway, or visiting Central Park without being able to see. This experience put a new perspective in my mind of what it is these amazing people are going through on a daily basis.

After the lights came back on, I was able to see Valerie for the first time. I felt a special connectedness with her. And a feeling of gratefulness that I was able to use my eyes to see her real beauty. It gives you a humbling perspective on how difficult life is without your eyesight.

Orly’s interpretation of the experience is really powerful. She says, “Dialog in the Dark is all about taking away our physical vision in order to link into our inner vision. The idea is that we are all walking around in our own “eye world ” completely not aware of the people who are surrounding us. What Dialog in the Dark does is it increases our awareness of the people who are around us because now your other senses are awakened. Like the sense of touch, which is so important, because in this world there is such a lack of human connection. The human touch is gone because everything is so digital, so people need this. And when you walk out of this experience, you feel really grateful for your vision. This person who has guided me through this tour can’t see, doesn’t have the benefits and privilege of being able to see all the beautiful colors and textures and everything that is around. They have been robbed of something so precious. How can I not be grateful.”

Finally, I must say that those who do have the ability to see, should say a blessing everyday of how fortunate we really for the eyesight we have. I will never again take my eyesight for granted and neither should you.

When you open up your heart and allow gratitude to flow freely within yourself, you are inviting more happiness to appear. For when we are grateful for what we do have, instead of what we don’t have, we are asking the universe to bring us more of what we truly want in our lives.

Many of the simple things in life can be reasons for being grateful. These are often things that we tend to take for granted–our health, family, friends, our livelihood–until they are brought to our attention or taken away.

Remembering to be grateful daily for one’s health, family, friends, a job during a recession, having a roof over one’s head and food on the table is a good way to start living with gratitude.

As each year ends and a new one begins we have the opportunity to stop and reflect on the current state of our lives and remember to be grateful.

They say the best things in life are free. Well, I have to agree with that. Life is filled with simple pleasures, the little satisfying effects you never really anticipate, but always take great pleasure in. They are the gifts of life that we each subconsciously celebrate in our own unique way.

Your material things are nice, but what holds more truth is what’s within, and who you are being. If we consistently focus on what we lack in our life, we create more of this negative energy, that does not benefit us.

Instead, be grateful to have another day, and Appreciate the great people and things in your life.

Sometimes we don’t notice the things others do for us until they stop doing them. Don’t be like that. Be grateful for what you have, who loves you, and who cares for you. You’ll never know how much they mean to you until the day they’re no longer beside you. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it to live.

Take a walk outside and observe the beauty that is life.

That’s what I did today.

I encourage you to do the same.

Here is a classic song from 1927 that best tells it all:

The moon belongs to everyone, The best things in life are free. The stars belong to everyone, They gleam there for you and me. The flowers in spring, the robins that sing, The moonbeams that shine, they’re yours, they’re mine. And love can come to everyone, The best things in life are free.

“You can have anything you want – if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose.” Abraham Lincoln

Do you understand the power of Be, Do, Have?

Let me explain.

Most people operate on the belief system of Have, Do, Be. “If I have the money I need, then I can do the things I want to do, and then be the person I want to be. If a person continues to operate on that belief system, I can guarantee you they will struggle 100% of the time, and fail the majority of the time.

Here is how you can change this way of thinking.

It all starts with your thoughts. Your thoughts are constantly creating your beliefs. When you think you can or can’t do something, you affirm it in your action.

One of the best ways to start the flow of positive thoughts is to be grateful for what you have right now then move to all the abundance there is in the World, the blades of grass, the trees, and everything that is around you.

Then start using the Be, Do, Have principle toward your goals in life.

Let me give you an example.

If I decide I’m going to be a singer. I start thinking and moving through life as a great singer. The actions I take are based on what I think about being a great singer.

Do I believe it? Can I see myself living this way? Do I feel good when singing?

I practice and practice. I put myself out there as a singer. I start to have results through my being and doing. People start asking to me sing at their wedding. Teams call for me to sing the National Anthem. A band wants to record with me. I put out the vibration that I am a great singer and move that way in my life. Yes, Be Do Have!

Children understand about being. When they decide to be a pirate, princess or cowboy. They are a pirate, princess and a cowboy and nobody can tell them any differently!

Be childlike and just BE!

I know some people just don’t get the be do have principle because they want to have a million dollars in the bank and then they will feel like a millionaire….

… No! That is not how it works!

In fact, its backwards!

Get this, you must BE the millionaire first, long before you actually have the money in your bank account!

How would a millionaire think? How would they make decisions? Decide on the being! Be Do Have is very powerful if you understand it all starts with the BEING!

Are you with me?

You need to act “as if” your goal has already been achieved!

For example, a man looking for a great relationship with a woman might say, “I am so happy that I have a wonderful woman in my life that I enjoy being around everyday.”

What would that committed person do?

How would they act?

What would they do together? Do those things!

Even though you don’t at the present moment have a woman in your life or even know of any female possibilities.

Create your new reality by using this simple be do have principle!

You must BE that person that has the wonderful woman, DO the things that person would do first before you will ever HAVE the relation you are looking for.

A person that wants to quit smoking will stop for a while and then restart a few weeks later.

Why?

Because they are caught in the DOING. The doing in this incidence is smoking.

For them to change, they have to change who they are BEING.

They have to become the nonsmoker.

Move through life as a nonsmoker.

If you’ve always wanted to attract more romance into your life, then BE the romantic! Send flowers for no reason, write a poem for your partner…you get the idea!

A runner moves through life as a runner.

Be that person!

Use Be Do Have to create the success you are looking for!

Remember, it all starts with BEING! To reach your goals in life, Be the person who you would be if you already had achieved your goal, then you will do the things that a successful person would do, which will allow you to have exactly what you want.

Begin today to act, to live, to be the person you would be if you had already achieved your goal. How would you carry yourself? What would you focus on? How would you treat yourself? How would you treat other people? What would your relationships be like? How would you look at finances? What would you be doing to be healthy?

It was a cold and windy night, as the howling winds beat upon the window panes. Inside, body warmth was not only touching my skin but my soul. I started holding her hand and caressing her soft skin. She pressed her lips against mine as my heart began beating faster. My tongue brushed the delicate shell of her ear as I blew a light breath over the moist spot. She shivered. Passion took over as I began fondling her breasts as our love-making intensified. At that moment, I felt my collective consciousness leaving my body, and a feeling of oneness appeared.

This is how I knew I was in love. This human emotion could only be described as a melting of the heart, exposing a true love that I wish would never end.

But it did.

When you are in love it is unlike any other feeling you will ever have. It incites you, it invigorates you, and it puts you in a focused state of mind when time stands still, and when every sense is heightened and anything and everything is possible.

I remember her like it was yesterday. Her beautiful face, sensual lips, and irresistible personality were a true delight. She had all the qualities I was looking for in a mate. Confidence, intelligence, beauty, respectfulness, honesty, and a great lover in bed.

And you know she’s your best friend when she knows you better than you even know yourself and can say what you’re feeling without you even uttering a word.

When you are lucky enough to find someone who can magnify your human experience, life takes on a new meaning. Things you may of not noticed before now become wondrous. The sights and sounds of everyday life become more joyous to deal with.

Love is something that is very special. It is what everyone upon the planet wants.

I found it, but lost it.

If I learned one thing, it would be to fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely. If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else.

Do I ever regret for one split second falling in love?

Absolutely not!

It has been something of an emotional roller coaster and has rendered me a hopeless romantic. It has been full of heartache and heartbreak but has made me stronger for it. It has humbled me in ways I never thought it could.

It forced me to look at life differently. I changed who I was being and who I could become. The love I had was like nothing I felt before. It was empowering, fulfilling, and her name will always have a soft spot in my heart.

For those of you who have not followed my blog, my name is Dave, The Gratitude Guy.

When 2011 began, I made a commitment to write a gratitude blog post for every day of the year on people, places, things, and ideas that I am grateful for.

Mission accomplished!

But wait! What about 2012? So far, I have written only 1 blog post.

So the question that must be answered is…..

WHY?

The simple answer is that I was not motivated. Writing a daily blog takes a lot out of you, and my heart was not in the right place to continue. Instead I decided to write a blog post whenever I felt like it.

Now you tell me, what is wrong with this picture?

Well for one, here is a man who dedicated himself to excellence by making a commitment, fulfilling it, and then started taking a back seat, and coast his way to mediocrity, instead of the greatness that lives within.

In other words, I sold myself short. In fact, I can hear my mind shouting out:

How does this make you feel? Have you ever sold yourself short, and not given yourself the full price that you justly deserve.

Well I can tell you how I feel. I am very disappointed that I let the empowering feelings that existed within me to take a 3 month vacation to Someday Island. And I enjoyed myself so much, I turned some day into one day, and then quickly made a return visit.

What I am I trying to say is that I was feeling like “crap” and just had no desire to continue. But what I soon discovered is that feelings come and go and desires come and go. And then I realized that I let my circumstances dictate how I felt.

For there is an approach to life we must understand.

What we need to know is that every event we experience has within it both sides, negative and positive emotions. And it is your emotions and your emotions alone that determine your destiny. By evolving past your judgments and attachments, you honor what is, become present, and experience gratitude.

I decided to choose how I want to feel, regardless of what is! And I choose to feel good, to feel love, and allow myself to honor the gratitude that surrounds me on a daily basis.

I don’t need a single thing to change to find relief and feel good. I just desire to feel AWESOME and know that what I truly desire will be mine.

As Dave, The Gratitude Guy, I will continue to educate everyone that the best way for us to value our present day happiness is to be grateful for what we already have.

I will focus on the beautiful, wonderful, meaningful possibilities. Because I realize that the only thing that really holds you back is your belief that you cannot move forward. Once you’ve let that go, you free yourself to soar.

I encourage each one of you to look deep inside your heart and open up your mind to all the possibilities that life can offer. Make each day count and live with passion. You will be so surprised how your life can change is so many ways.